21/06/2026
My name is Peter Odion, and today I want to share a personal experience and express my gratitude.
A few weeks ago, I became seriously ill. After some medical tests, doctors discovered that I had malaria. At first, I did not understand why everyone was so concerned. In many African countries, malaria is common, and people often treat it without much attention.
But here in Europe, the reaction was completely different.
The doctors immediately took the situation seriously. I was told not to leave the hospital. An ambulance was arranged to transfer me to a larger hospital, where several doctors examined me, monitored my organs, checked my blood, and made sure I received the treatment I needed.
They asked detailed questions about my recent travels and quickly discovered that I had likely contracted malaria during a visit to Nigeria. Even though I had already received treatment there, the infection had not completely cleared.
What touched me most was not only the medical treatment but the way I was treated as a human being. It did not matter that I was born in Nigeria. It did not matter that I was a foreigner. The doctors, nurses, ambulance staff, and public institutions treated my life as valuable.
I have experienced similar care in Italy, France, and Germany. This made me realize that strong healthcare systems, functioning institutions, and respect for human life do not happen by accident. They are built through good governance, responsible leadership, and citizens who demand accountability.
I love Nigeria. It is my homeland, and I will always be proud of where I come from. But I cannot ignore the difference between systems that work and systems that struggle. Many people leave Africa not only because of economic opportunities but because they want access to reliable healthcare, safety, and public services that protect human life.
My prayer is that Nigeria and other African nations will continue to improve. We have talented people, hardworking citizens, and enormous potential. What we need are stronger institutions, less corruption, better leadership, and a commitment to building systems that serve ordinary people.
Today, I want to say thank you.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses, emergency workers, and healthcare professionals who cared for me.
Thank you to Italy, Germany, France, and the wider European community for creating systems that protect lives regardless of nationality.
May God bless Europe, may God bless Nigeria, and may God bless all those working every day to make our societies better.
Peter Odion
